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HBAN vs PNC
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Huntington Bancshares (HBAN) vs. PNC Financial Services Group (PNC) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Huntington Bancshares (HBAN) is a Columbus, Ohio-based regional bank in the middle of a growth transition, integrating the Veritex and Cadence acquisitions to expand across Texas and the Southeast.
- PNC Financial Services Group (PNC) is a larger "super-regional" lender with more than $600 billion in assets and a coast-to-coast footprint, reporting 18.3% return on average tangible common equity (ROTCE, a measure of profit relative to shareholder capital) in its latest quarter.
- Both stocks have pulled back from recent highs in recent weeks, reflecting broader caution on regional banks, funding costs, and credit normalization.
- HBAN trades at a lower valuation and carries a consensus "Buy" rating, while PNC commands a larger scale, stronger fee-based diversification, and an established capital-return program.
- The core trade-off is growth-and-integration risk (HBAN) versus scale, efficiency, and stability (PNC).
Introduction
Regional and super-regional banks have faced renewed investor scrutiny in recent weeks, as markets weigh deposit costs, net interest income (NII, the spread between what a bank earns on loans and pays on deposits), and early signs of credit normalization. Comparing HBAN and PNC offers a useful lens on two very different approaches to bank growth: an acquisitive Midwest lender expanding rapidly into faster-growing markets versus an established national-scale franchise focused on efficiency and capital returns. This stock comparison is relevant for investors assessing relative performance, market positioning, and how well each institution is converting strategy into earnings.
HBAN Overview and Recent Performance
Huntington Bancshares Incorporated is the holding company for The Huntington National Bank, providing commercial, consumer, and mortgage banking services. Its "super-regional" strategy combines national-scale capabilities with local delivery, anchored by recent acquisitions. The Veritex deal expanded its Texas presence, while the announced Cadence partnership extends its Southeast and capital-markets footprint. Management has indicated the Cadence conversion is on schedule for June, with revenue and expense synergies expected over time.
In its 2026 first quarter, HBAN reported net income of $523 million, with return on average tangible common equity of 11.6% and a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1, a key regulatory measure of bank capital strength) ratio of 10.2%. The company also approved a $3 billion share repurchase authorization. Despite these steps, the shares have trended lower in recent market activity, with analysts citing pressure on net interest income and elevated funding costs alongside integration-related uncertainty. Consensus analyst sentiment remains broadly constructive, with a "Buy" rating and a price target well above recent trading levels.
PNC Overview and Recent Performance
PNC Financial Services Group, headquartered in Pittsburgh, is one of the largest super-regional banks in the United States, holding more than $600 billion in total assets and operating a coast-to-coast branch network with a strong Midwest and Northeast presence. PNC closed its acquisition of FirstBank in January 2026, deepening its expansion into high-growth Southern and Western markets, and it derives roughly 38% of revenue from fee-based businesses such as asset management, card, cash management, and capital markets.
In its most recent quarter, PNC reported adjusted earnings per share of $5.09, net income near $2.0 billion, and an 18.3% return on average tangible common equity. Net interest margin (NIM, the spread earned on interest-bearing assets) held near 2.9%, while the efficiency ratio improved to about 57%. The bank also raised its quarterly dividend by 18% following the 2026 Federal Reserve stress test. Even so, shares have declined over the past month and quarter, as investors weigh softer fee income and gradual credit normalization against solid profitability.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The most striking contrast between these two names is scale and strategy. PNC operates at roughly twice the market capitalization of HBAN, with a larger, more diversified fee-income engine and a stronger near-term profitability profile — its 18.3% ROTCE materially exceeds HBAN's 11.6%. That profitability edge supports PNC's aggressive capital returns, including an 18% dividend increase and an ongoing buyback program.
HBAN, by contrast, offers a higher-growth narrative driven by M&A (mergers and acquisitions) and geographic expansion into Texas and the Southeast. Its lower valuation and analyst "Buy" consensus suggest the market is pricing in execution risk from integrating two sizable acquisitions while funding costs remain elevated. Growth drivers differ accordingly: PNC leans on operating leverage from its AI and automation program and branch buildout, while HBAN leans on deal synergies and fee-business expansion in new markets. In terms of risk, HBAN carries greater integration and credit-transition uncertainty, whereas PNC faces sensitivity to fee-income swings and deposit-cost pressure.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor PNC at present. The bank demonstrates stronger trend consistency in profitability, a higher return on tangible common equity, and a more established capital-return program — characteristics that quantitative models tend to reward for stability. That said, HBAN presents a more asymmetric setup: its lower valuation, clear growth catalysts from integration, and analyst upside targets could appeal to momentum- and value-oriented bots if sentiment toward regional banks improves. The verdict is probabilistic rather than definitive, reflecting the trade-off between PNC's relative stability and HBAN's higher potential reward alongside elevated execution risk.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is HBAN is a Hold and PNC is a Hold.
HBAN sees its 50-day moving average cross bearishly below its 200-day moving average
The 50-day moving average for HBAN moved below the 200-day moving average on October 05, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 35 of 56 cases where HBAN's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 62%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 16, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on HBAN as a result. In 48 of 75 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 64%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where HBAN declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 61%.
The Aroon Indicator for HBAN entered a downward trend on October 12, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where HBAN's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 14 of 19 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 74%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for HBAN just turned positive on October 07, 2026. Looking at past instances where HBAN's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 30 of 45 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
HBAN may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 6 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 30 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 59 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. HBAN’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 63 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 56, placing this stock slightly worse than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 65 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.037) is normal, around the industry mean (1.237). P/E Ratio (11.568) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.122). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.829) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.041) settles around the average of (0.036) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.863) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 75 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
Momentum Indicator for PNC turns negative, indicating new downward trend
PNC saw its Momentum Indicator move below the 0 level on September 16, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new downward move. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 77 similar instances where the indicator turned negative. In 49 of the 77 cases, the stock moved further down in the following days. The odds of a decline are at 64%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where PNC declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 64%.
The Aroon Indicator for PNC entered a downward trend on October 16, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where PNC's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 21 of 31 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 35 of 50 cases where PNC's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for PNC just turned positive on October 12, 2026. Looking at past instances where PNC's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 31 of 47 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
Following a +0.53% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where PNC advanced for three days, in 186 of 332 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
PNC may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 4 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 34 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 56 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. PNC’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 57 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 56, placing this stock slightly worse than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 72 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.355) is normal, around the industry mean (1.237). P/E Ratio (11.958) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.122). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.569) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.037) settles around the average of (0.036) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.762) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 95 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
HBAN | PNC | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 65 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 65 Fair valued | 72 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 63 | 57 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 6 | 4 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 59 | 56 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 30 | 34 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 75 | 90 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
HBAN's Valuation (65) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as PNC (72) in the Major Banks industry. This means that HBAN’s stock grew similarly to PNC’s over the last 12 months.
PNC's Profit vs Risk Rating (57) in the Major Banks industry is in the same range as HBAN (63) in the Regional Banks industry. This means that PNC’s stock grew similarly to HBAN’s over the last 12 months.
PNC's SMR Rating (4) in the Major Banks industry is in the same range as HBAN (6) in the Regional Banks industry. This means that PNC’s stock grew similarly to HBAN’s over the last 12 months.
PNC's Price Growth Rating (56) in the Major Banks industry is in the same range as HBAN (59) in the Regional Banks industry. This means that PNC’s stock grew similarly to HBAN’s over the last 12 months.
HBAN's P/E Growth Rating (30) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as PNC (34) in the Major Banks industry. This means that HBAN’s stock grew similarly to PNC’s over the last 12 months.
| HBAN | PNC | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 74% | 4 days ago 68% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 63% | 4 days ago 70% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 64% | 4 days ago 64% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 67% | 4 days ago 66% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 62% | 4 days ago 54% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 56% | 4 days ago 61% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | N/A | 29 days ago 56% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 61% | 5 days ago 64% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 66% | 4 days ago 58% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 48% | 4 days ago 63% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
HBAN’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while PNC’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- HBAN’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- PNC’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
HBAN’s TA Score shows that 3 TA indicator(s) are bullish while PNC’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- HBAN’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 5 bearish.
- PNC’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
HBAN (@Regional Banks) experienced а -0.33% price change this week, while PNC (@Regional Banks) price change was +0.08% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Regional Banks industry was -0.78%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -3.57%, and the average quarterly price growth was +5.61%.
Reported Earning Dates
HBAN is expected to report earnings on Oct 22, 2026.
PNC is expected to report earnings on Jan 15, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Regional Banks (-0.78% weekly)Regional banks have a smaller reach than major banks, and cater mostly to one region of a country, such as a state or within a group of states. They offer services often similar – albeit with some limitations/smaller scale – compared to major banks. Taking deposits, making loans, mortgages, leases, credit cards , fund management, insurance and investment banking. SunTrust Banks, State Street Corp., M&T Bank Corp. are some examples of U.S. regional banks.
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HBAN and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, HBAN has been closely correlated with FITB. These tickers have moved in lockstep 88% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if HBAN jumps, then FITB could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To HBAN | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HBAN | 100% | -0.52% | ||
| FITB - HBAN | 88% Closely correlated | +0.04% | ||
| RF - HBAN | 85% Closely correlated | +0.51% | ||
| KEY - HBAN | 85% Closely correlated | +0.25% | ||
| PNC - HBAN | 85% Closely correlated | +1.14% | ||
| MTB - HBAN | 84% Closely correlated | -1.54% | ||
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PNC and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, PNC has been closely correlated with USB. These tickers have moved in lockstep 88% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if PNC jumps, then USB could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To PNC | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PNC | 100% | +1.14% | ||
| USB - PNC | 88% Closely correlated | +2.33% | ||
| KEY - PNC | 85% Closely correlated | +0.25% | ||
| MTB - PNC | 85% Closely correlated | -1.54% | ||
| HBAN - PNC | 85% Closely correlated | -0.52% | ||
| FITB - PNC | 85% Closely correlated | +0.04% | ||
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